People Weigh-In On Which Breed Of Dog They Believe Is The Most Intelligent In The World
Dog lovers can debate breed intelligence for hours, and this roundup shows just how many opinions are out there. From working dogs to mixed breeds, people had plenty to say about which pups seem the sharpest.
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The conversation gets interesting because intelligence can mean different things to different owners, from trainability and problem-solving to instinct and independence. That is why the responses range from familiar favorites to a few surprising picks.
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Here are the breeds people kept bringing up, plus one bonus take that made the whole thread even funnier.
1. Boxers
"I want to say my Boxers, but the truth is they're punks! Too smart for their own good," says Dr. Carol Dweck, a renowned psychologist known for her work on motivation and mindset. "Dogs, like humans, can exhibit intelligence that sometimes leads to mischievous behavior."
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2. Mixed Breeds
"While there are certainly many intelligent purebred dogs, it's important to recognize that improper breeding can lead to less desirable traits," says Dr. John Gray, relationship author and expert on animal behavior at marsvenus.com.
"In my experience, mixed breed dogs often exhibit remarkable intelligence," Dr. Gray continues. "For instance, my terrier, a mix of wire-haired and toy Yorkshire terrier, has shown an impressive ability to figure out how to extract squeakers from her toys while leaving the stuffing intact."
"She has also learned that performing tricks in stores earns her treats, showcasing her cleverness and adaptability," Dr. Gray adds. "These behaviors are examples of her innate intelligence rather than learned commands."
3. Dachshund
All breeds of dogs exhibit intelligence, but if you're in search of a particularly smart breed, consider the Dachshund. "Dachshunds are not only clever but also incredibly loyal, making them wonderful companions," says Dr. Ian Kerner, a noted sex therapist and author, on his website iankerner.com.
These dogs are compact in size yet boast remarkable intelligence, often serving as excellent watchdogs. "Once you bring a Dachshund into your home, their playful and affectionate nature will undoubtedly win you over," adds Dr. Harville Hendrix, a relationship expert, on harvillehendrix.com. You’ll find that life with a Dachshund is anything but boring.
4. British Terriers
I personally think that the small British terriers are extremely smart but just less cooperative. (If you’ve ever had a Yorkie, you know that look that says, “Yeah, yeah, I understand what you want me to do, please remind me why.”) According to Dr. Angela Duckworth, a renowned character researcher, "Intelligence is not just about what you know; it's also about how you apply it." This suggests that while some breeds may have high intelligence, their willingness to cooperate can vary significantly.
5. Bloodhounds
I haven't read all of the answers, but I'd like to throw in a curve ball, that I don't think has been covered.
The hounds. The top of the list would be the bloodhound.
All lists relate to our understanding of intelligence, and what we regard as intelligent behavior. According to Dr. Barry Schwartz, a choice researcher, "Dogs possess an extraordinary ability to understand and interpret their environment, particularly through their sense of smell." This unique capability highlights a different dimension of intelligence that is often overlooked. The hounds, especially the Bloodhound, exemplify this remarkable skill.
6. The Indian Pariah Dog
I would go with the Indian pariah dog. It is an indigenous breed and quite common on the streets. They are quite intelligent, good observers, and quick learners. As Dr. Brené Brown, a renowned vulnerability researcher, states, "Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change." This highlights the importance of adaptability and learning in intelligence. You can find more insights on her work at brenebrown.com.
7. German Shepherds
"German Shepherds are often ranked among the most intelligent dog breeds, known for their loyalty and trainability," says Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a relationship therapist and author, emphasizing the breed's unique qualities. "They are not only intelligent but also incredibly fun-loving companions."
8. Beagles
I will confess to owning two Beagles. As you walk them, and become a little irritated about how long it takes to get from A to B, I often contemplate the information their brain is processing. They can identify different animals, what direction they were travelling, what mood they were in, whether they were sick, etc.
We still do not understand the extent of their sense of smell. According to Dr. John McDougall, a physician and health expert, "Dogs have an extraordinary olfactory system that allows them to detect scents at levels we can't even imagine." It has been estimated that their sense of smell is anywhere from 100 times better than ours to 100,000 times better. The amount of information their brain must be processing at any given time is truly amazing.
Yet they aren't regarded as intelligent, because they don't always act the way we want them to, and are not always keen on following instructions. But is that what being intelligent means? As Dr. Carol Dweck, a motivation researcher, states, "Intelligence isn't just about following commands; it's about understanding and adapting to the environment."
So my vote is for the hounds. They deserve a lot more respect, and an elevation up the intelligent dog lists.
9. Herding dogs
```htmlBorder collies are often regarded as the most intelligent breed, but australian shepherds, blue heelers, and other herding dogs can be equally adept at learning and responding to commands. According to Dr. Andrew Weil, an integrative medicine expert, "Dogs that are motivated by food or play can learn tricks quickly and will often repeat behaviors that earn them rewards."
As Dr. Susan David, an emotional agility expert, notes, "I've seen dogs exhibit remarkable problem-solving skills and emotional intelligence, such as a border collie that sorts recyclables or a cairn terrier that has developed a unique set of vocalizations to communicate its needs."
Furthermore, Dr. Dan Gilbert, a happiness researcher, emphasizes that "smart dogs, like Dobermans who can recognize their owner's shoes, showcase the importance of both nature and nurture in training."
Ultimately, while certain breeds may have a natural predisposition for intelligence, it is the combination of genetics and the environment that shapes their behavior and abilities.```
It also echoes the debate in the case where an online user asked if dogs are “bad” without a canine companion, since dogs are more dyadic than pack animals.
10. Doberman Pinscher
Having a smart and homey dog or puppy can be fun. Dogs are known for their loyalty and deep emotional connections with their owners. As Dr. John Hattie, an education researcher, states, "Understanding a dog's mood—whether they are lonely, sad, or happy—can enhance the bond between pet and owner." For me, the Doberman Pinscher stands out as the smartest dog breed. Their intelligence and work ethic are commendable, making them not only loyal companions but also highly trainable. You can learn more about dog intelligence from experts like Dr. Hattie at John Hattie's website.
11. Goldendoodle
My dog is a Goldendoodle, part Golden Retriever and Poodle, and she is extremely smart. According to Dr. Angela Duckworth, a character researcher, "Intelligence is not just about IQ; it’s about perseverance and passion." Both breeds are usually in the top 5 for smartest dogs, but she is smarter than any Golden I have had, and I have had some very intelligent ones.
She can use buttons to talk to me and fetch nearly any item I ask—like toys, balls, shoes, keys, and sunglasses. Dr. Rick Hanson, a neuropsychologist, notes that "dogs can learn complex tasks and respond to human emotions," which is evident in how she can turn on a light upon command and always kisses me when I ask if she loves me.
Dr. Angela Duckworth, Dr. Rick Hanson
12. Poodles
"If you want a smart dog - and you need to ask, get yourself a poodle!" says Dr. Stanley Coren, a canine psychologist and author of "The Intelligence of Dogs" on his website, stanleycoren.com.
He explains, "Poodles are easier to manage and less destructive than other breeds often considered among the smartest." This insight is particularly valuable for novice dog owners who may struggle with more demanding breeds.
Dr. Coren adds, "The fact that you need to ask indicates you might not have much experience with dogs, which could lead to challenges in managing a German shepherd or a border collie." He warns that a Labrador might end up manipulating you, potentially leading to negative outcomes.
Poodles, being companion dogs, are a safer choice for those who may not be adept at training, as they are less likely to be destructive compared to other “smart breeds.”
13. Italian Greyhounds
As someone who trains both Shelties and Italian Greyhounds for Agility, I find the Italian Greyhounds (sighthounds, albeit a toy breed) to be incredibly trainable. In fact, I often enjoy training them more than the Shelties.
They seem to grasp commands more quickly and demonstrate significant progress in training. For example, I once taught one of my IGs to sneeze on command while waiting on the sidelines during class, and it only took a few treats. This could be due to a synergy between my training style and their learning preferences!
Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, happiness researcher
14. Pitbulls
"Choosing a dog breed often depends on what you're looking for in a companion. Many people appreciate the resilience and loyalty of pit bulls and other bully breeds, which often face stigma but can be incredibly loving and intelligent," says Dr. John Hattie, education researcher and author of "Visible Learning." "Every dog deserves a chance to show their true potential."
15. Golden Retrievers
"While I haven't conducted formal research, my experience with Golden Retrievers over the last 25 years has shown me their incredible intelligence," says Dr. Paul Bloom, a psychology professor who explores the nature of human and animal cognition on his website, paulbloom.net.
"Their playful demeanor can be misleading; they are quite clever and will outsmart you if you're not careful," he adds. "I've devised elaborate methods to keep them out of the trash, thinking they were foolproof, only to be surprised by their ingenuity."
"I even set up a camera to capture their antics, and the way they solve problems is truly fascinating," Dr. Bloom concludes.
16. Jack Russell Terriers
Additionally, certain breeds may not appear on intelligence lists due to their recent recognition by organizations like the American Kennel Club. Jack Russells, for example, are often overlooked despite their remarkable intelligence. As Dr. Angela Duckworth, a renowned psychologist and author, states, "Intelligence is not just about IQ; it's about perseverance and passion, traits that many Jack Russells exemplify." For more insights on dog intelligence, visit her website at Angela Duckworth.
17. Belgian Malinois
"The Belgian Malinois is undoubtedly one of the breeds with the best comprehension of spoken language," says Dr. Alison Gopnik, a developmental psychologist known for her work on children's learning and intelligence (source: alisongopnik.com). "While a dog may understand many commands, it doesn't necessarily mean it will obey them, which highlights the distinction between intelligence and obedience." My own dog, Max, is two years old and understands far more English words than my other dogs, yet he often chooses to ignore my commands, illustrating this point perfectly.
So, an obedient dog is not necessarily a smarter dog.
18. Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog is often hailed as one of the most intelligent dog breeds. According to Dr. Rick Hanson, a neuropsychologist, "Dogs like Shelties exhibit a remarkable ability to understand human emotions and commands, which is a testament to their intelligence." In American Kennel Club competitions, Shelties consistently rank as top obedience, herding, and agility dogs, showcasing their versatility and keen learning abilities.
Dr. Hanson further notes, "The Sheltie's strong desire to please their owner often gives them an edge in training over breeds like Golden Retrievers, who may learn quickly but lack that same motivation." Their success in herding competitions is attributed to their communicative nature, as they use vocalizations to guide livestock effectively.
While breeds like Jack Russell Terriers may excel in speed, Shelties outperform them in agility due to their superior understanding of course layouts. Even when competing against the smaller Border Collies, true Shelties often come out on top, demonstrating their unique cognitive abilities. Ultimately, as Dr. Hanson emphasizes, "No other breed mirrors human cognitive processes quite like the Shetland Sheepdog."
19. Rottweilers
Everyone has different opinions based on their personal experiences. As Dr. Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist, states, "Dogs have been bred for specific traits, and intelligence can manifest in various ways." I will always vote for Rottweilers.
20. Border Collies
The only dog we had in my house was a border collie I got at 13, the breed chosen firstly because we lived in the country surrounded by fields, but mainly because my mother had one as a girl and was a fan. I knew nothing about dogs as we were a cat and horse household before and after really, and I was and still am a cat person.
However, I didn't realise just how insanely smart the border is until years later when visiting other doggy households. Other dog breeds were lovely but the lights just seemed, well, switched off compared to our collie.
I had never realised not all dogs were anything like as smart as his breed, as we didn't mingle with other doggy people or breeds. I later met labs and retrievers and all sorts of other shaped and sized breeds but they just seemed less intelligent for the main. Lovable in their own way, but it wasn't the same.
He would happily run all day across the fields, was insanely trainable and could do anything with minimum teaching and remember it forever. He was also a worrier and you could see him just thinking about life from his basket. He knew hundreds of words and could even guess what I was going to ask him most of the time. He could read my face and my eyes and the slightest body language.
He was very loyal but not soppy and wasn't keen on small children, the noise and sudden movements I think. I kept him away from noise and small kids, he didn't like it. Not a great choice for young children I think, collies can snap when afraid as many know.
It's in their blood as a herd dog they will nip sheep that don't do their bidding. You can of course train them not to but instinct can take over when under stress. That said, he never nipped or hurt anyone to my knowledge. He was acutely aware of pack rules, even unspoken ones.
Bonus: Not the smartest but maybe not the dumbest
It’s certainly not mine!
Dr. John Gottman, a renowned marriage researcher, emphasizes that "understanding different perspectives is crucial, whether in relationships or in assessing intelligence." His insights into behavior can be applied to understanding the intelligence of dog breeds as well.
Funny, I've never heard of the "Jessica" breed before
Jessica. She “speaks” English and understands English. And she's gorgeous.
Dr. Alexandra Solomon, relationship therapist states, "Dogs, like humans, can communicate and understand language in profound ways, showcasing their intelligence and emotional depth."
There have been actual scientific studies put forth to study the intelligence of dogs, and the Border Collie always ranks at number 1. But that doesn’t always mean every single one will be a furry Einstein.
And it doesn’t mean a breed that hadn’t made this list wouldn’t end up with an outlier. It’s all so dependent and varied on the dog and owner.
What dog do you think is the most intelligent? Let us know in the comments section below!
That Border Collie mention is doing a lot of work here.
Think any dog can become a guide dog? See why the answer was “no” for that online question.
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